AutoCAD is a powerful software used for creating and editing 2D and 3D designs. When working on complex projects, it is often necessary to select multiple objects at once for various operations. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to select all objects in AutoCAD.
Selecting All Objects Using the ‘Select All’ Command
If you want to select all objects in your drawing, the easiest way is to use the ‘Select All’ command. To do this:
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Click on the ‘Home’ tab in the AutoCAD ribbon.
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In the ‘Modify’ panel, click on the ‘Select’ drop-down menu.
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Select the ‘Select All’ option from the menu.
This will highlight and select all objects present in your drawing. You can now perform any operation on these selected objects, such as moving, copying, or deleting them.
Selecting Objects by Window Selection
If you want to be more specific about which objects to select, you can use the window selection method. This allows you to draw a window around a specific area of your drawing and select only those objects that fall within that window.
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Click on the ‘Home’ tab in the AutoCAD ribbon.
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Select the ‘Window’ option from the menu.
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Click and drag your cursor to draw a window around the desired area of your drawing.
All objects within the drawn window will be selected. You can now manipulate these selected objects as needed.
Selecting Objects by Crossing Selection
The crossing selection method allows you to select objects that are either completely or partially enclosed by a crossing window. This is useful when you want to select objects that intersect with the boundary of your selection window.
Select the ‘Crossing’ option from the menu.
Click and drag your cursor to draw a crossing window around the desired area of your drawing.
All objects that intersect with or are enclosed by your crossing window will be selected. You can now perform operations on these selected objects.
Selecting Objects by Filtering
In addition to selecting all or specific objects using windows or crossings, AutoCAD also provides an advanced filtering option for selecting specific types of objects based on their properties. This can be particularly useful when dealing with large and complex drawings.
Select the ‘Filter’ option from the menu.
In the Filter dialog box, choose your desired filter criteria such as object type, color, layer, etc.
Click ‘OK’ to apply the filter and select the objects that match your criteria.
Only the objects that meet your specified criteria will be selected. You can now perform operations on these filtered objects.
Conclusion
Selecting all objects in AutoCAD is a fundamental task when working with complex drawings. Whether you choose to use the ‘Select All’ command, window selection, crossing selection, or filtering, understanding these different methods will greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency in AutoCAD.
Remember to experiment with different selection techniques to find the one that works best for your specific drawing requirements. Happy designing!